My research

Modeling and representation in IT have long held my interest. My inspiration comes from foundational work by Yair Wand and Ron Weber. Indeed, existential theories such as formal ontologies by Roderick Chisholm, E. Jonathan Lowe, and Mario Bunge can be used to analyse modeling frameworks. My analysis of various data modeling frameworks (eg ERD, UML, ORM) using Chisholm's ontology is the first analysis using a common-sense realist ontology - reality as people apprehend. Chisholm's ontology is in the same stream of philosophy as John Searle's work around social reality. Analysing the strengths and weaknesses of modeling tools helps us to determine the limits of various modeling tools and helps explain where and when various modeling tools can be used.

My focus more recently has moved into engineered ontologies. These are ontologies that cover specific domains or applications - commitments to what exists for a specific group of people. Crucial questions around how business and science develop and use ontologies arise. How useful are these ontologies? What applications can they be used in? How can the use of these be governed?

Anyone wishing to work with me should email me directly. I am always interested in research higher degree (particularly PhD) students. Application forms and details of admissions procedures can be obtained from the Melbourne School of Graduate Research at The University of Melbourne.

My publications

Ontology research applications and curation (ORAC) research group

PhD abstract (The University of Tasmania, 2000)

What is ontology in information systems?
Ontological Analysis of Data Modelling Languages
Agency Theory in Information Systems Design
Theoretical Foundations of Information Systems
Information Systems Modelling

Research students

If you are interested in undertaking a research higher degree with me please get in touch. Also, application forms and details of admissions procedures can be obtained from the School of Graduate Research at The University of Melbourne.

Current

Kim Finney (PhD - University of Tasmania): Ontologies to Support Data Centres in the Antarctic Sciences
Noreen Izza (PhD): Supporting Document Management Systems Using Ontology
Emily Keen (PhD): Concept Formulation in Industry Ontology Development
Daniel Kless (PhD): Relating Concept Systems
John Lamp (PhD): Literary warrants in subject indexing
Tim Smith (PhD): Human Veriome Database Curation

Under examination

Gavan Newell (Masters): Operation augmented ontologies

Completed

Dr Reeva Lederman (PhD 2008): The role of situated action in the design of information systems
Dr Graeme Simsion (PhD 2007): The creative activity of data modelling

My teaching

My teaching is focused on information systems modelling. However, I have an industrial background and so I am also interested in strategic and business issues.

My areas of teaching interest mirror my research interests and cover significant parts of:

• 615-681 Business Analysis Modelling and Design (S1 and S2 2009, S1 2008)
• 615-659 Information Systems Project Management (S1 2008, S2 2007, S1 2005, 2004)
• 615-645 Information Systems Modelling (S2 2005, 2003, S1 2002)
• 615-372 Project Management (S1 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2002, 2001)
• 615-373 Industrial Project (S2 2007, 2006)
• 615-230 Database Concepts (S1 2001, 2000)
• 615-260 Enterprise Systems (S2 2003)
• 615-150 Organisational Processes (S2 2002, 2001, 2000)